11/20/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Minnesota Wild will try to match their longest winning streak of the season tonight, when they host the Vancouver Canucks in a Northwest Division showdown at Xcel Energy Center.
Vancouver and the Wild will battle for first place in the division tonight as the Canucks come into this test with a one-point edge over Minnesota for the top spot.
Minnesota has won five of the last seven meetings with the Canucks, but Vancouver earned a 2-0 home win over the Wild on November 8 in the first of six encounters between the clubs this year. The Wild have taken two of three and six of nine against the Canucks on home ice.
The Wild have won three straight contests and tonight they'll try to equal the four-game winning streak that opened up the team's 2008-09 schedule. Minnesota's last two victories have come via the shootout with the latest win coming Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.
Marek Zidlicky netted the game-winning shootout tally to help the Wild post the 2-1 decision over the Penguins at Mellon Arena. Niklas Backstrom also chipped in for the win, making 24 saves and halting each of Pittsburgh's three shootout attempts.
After the overtime session ended with the score knotted 1-1, Petr Sykora's backhand was gloved down by Backstrom to start the shootout. Zidlicky followed by faking backhand, then drifted to his right before sliding a forehand shot around Dany Sabourin. The goaltenders stopped the next two tries, leaving Sidney Crosby with a chance to extend the affair, but his forehand attempt sailed square into Backstrom's left pad to seal the win for Minnesota.
Mikko Koivu was credited with Minnesota's regulation goal after the puck beat Sabourin off a faceoff to help the Wild to their fourth win in five contests.
The Wild, who are 5-1-1 as the host this year, are beginning a five-game homestand tonight.
The Canucks have won two of their last three games and are coming off Wednesday's road victory over the New York Rangers. Alex Burrows had two goals as Vancouver doubled up the Rangers, 6-3, at Madison Square Garden.
Kyle Wellwood, Ryan Johnson, Pavol Demitra and Daniel Sedin also scored for the Canucks, who are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games. Mattias Ohlund collected three assists, while Taylor Pyatt and Jannik Hansen both recorded two helpers.
Roberto Luongo made 39 saves to notch his 11th win of the season. Only Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist, who was rested in Wednesday's test, has more wins this year with 12.
Tonight marks the third stop on a four-game road trip for the Canucks, who are 5-4-1 as the visiting club this year. Vancouver will complete the trek Saturday afternoon in Pittsburgh.
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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.
Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.
El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.
MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds.
Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.
New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.
Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''
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